Job Hunt Not Going Well
Jan
Comments
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Gosh, that really stinks! You are right to be proud of your success, but some businesses will shy away if they hear the "C" word, no matter how well you are now. If I were interviewing for a new job, I wouldn't use the "C" word during my interview. There are questions that an employer may not ask during an interview. I think the closest they can get into health issues are general questions like "Can you lift 50 pounds?" I wouldn't volunteer ANY information that they cannot ask (for example, religion, marital status, ethnicity, etc) If you are intent on discussing it, you may be more successful interviewing with health related organizations (hospitals, medical technology) or women's organizations.
For a reason you closed your business, you can be honest, but again, they don't need to know every single detail. I might say something generic like "I was successful running my own business, but it was impacting my health and family life to the point that I needed to make a change. Owning my own business is something I may choose to try again in the future, but at this time in my life, I prefer to work for a well-established employer with opportunity for growth." Employers seem to understand the women (more than men) may have "blanks" in their resumes due to family pressures and care-giving. I would call the blank "family care-giving" if I had to mention it at all.
The other thing that could be going on may have nothing at all to do with BC. You may be over-qualified for the positions. Some employers won't hire someone who is absolutely perfect for a job, because they worry that:
1. You will get bored and quit within a short time - not enough challenge for you, and nowhere to promote to
2. Your skill set threatens the person hiring you
3. You don't fit into the career path they envision for the position (for example, the position is always promoted to the marketing dept, but your skills are in accounting)
Then there is this (fate!) - you weren't meant to get those other jobs. Someone has a great job just for you; you just haven't interviewed for it yet. Maybe it will be the bank job, or maybe something totally unexpected!
These are just my own humble opinions. This is a decision we each need to make that's right for us, but -
You beat cancer, you will get past this!
jill0 -
(((Jill))) Thank you so much for your insight and wisdom. I feel blessed to have accomplished some things in my career that I would never have dreamed that I could and it is hard to swallow when it works against you, but, I think that it does.jdubious said:Gosh, that really stinks! You are right to be proud of your success, but some businesses will shy away if they hear the "C" word, no matter how well you are now. If I were interviewing for a new job, I wouldn't use the "C" word during my interview. There are questions that an employer may not ask during an interview. I think the closest they can get into health issues are general questions like "Can you lift 50 pounds?" I wouldn't volunteer ANY information that they cannot ask (for example, religion, marital status, ethnicity, etc) If you are intent on discussing it, you may be more successful interviewing with health related organizations (hospitals, medical technology) or women's organizations.
For a reason you closed your business, you can be honest, but again, they don't need to know every single detail. I might say something generic like "I was successful running my own business, but it was impacting my health and family life to the point that I needed to make a change. Owning my own business is something I may choose to try again in the future, but at this time in my life, I prefer to work for a well-established employer with opportunity for growth." Employers seem to understand the women (more than men) may have "blanks" in their resumes due to family pressures and care-giving. I would call the blank "family care-giving" if I had to mention it at all.
The other thing that could be going on may have nothing at all to do with BC. You may be over-qualified for the positions. Some employers won't hire someone who is absolutely perfect for a job, because they worry that:
1. You will get bored and quit within a short time - not enough challenge for you, and nowhere to promote to
2. Your skill set threatens the person hiring you
3. You don't fit into the career path they envision for the position (for example, the position is always promoted to the marketing dept, but your skills are in accounting)
Then there is this (fate!) - you weren't meant to get those other jobs. Someone has a great job just for you; you just haven't interviewed for it yet. Maybe it will be the bank job, or maybe something totally unexpected!
These are just my own humble opinions. This is a decision we each need to make that's right for us, but -
You beat cancer, you will get past this!
jill
I guess, too, that I will have to start being more circumspect about my bc and be vague, taking the focus away from why I was out of work to why I want to work. I have a fear that could work against me too as they may feel that I will quit again. I am 52 and less desirable as it is. It is strange, with those 52 years come a lot of different experiences and lessons learned that would benefit US Airways, and I will not get the chance, and most likely it is the cancer. I did write the indiv. who sent the letter, that I have never met, and thanked her for the consideration and asked that my resume be kept available should the new hires not meet their expectations. I also asked her if she would share with me why I was not selected, to help me better myself. I do not expect her to do so, but, maybe it will provoke her to think.
Anyways, your response is very helpful to me. I was just devastated when they turned me down. I am mind boggled as to why any company would pay an outside source to do a background check on you if they were not planning to hire you. What a waste of money, maybe that is just one other of the reasons that US Airways is in trouble. (my husband has worked there for 25 years and feels very bleak about their outlook) I want to change my resume away from finance and that would have been a corporate management job.
So, on to other things...like finance.
Thank you so much...Jan0 -
Hi Jan,seeknpeace said:(((Jill))) Thank you so much for your insight and wisdom. I feel blessed to have accomplished some things in my career that I would never have dreamed that I could and it is hard to swallow when it works against you, but, I think that it does.
I guess, too, that I will have to start being more circumspect about my bc and be vague, taking the focus away from why I was out of work to why I want to work. I have a fear that could work against me too as they may feel that I will quit again. I am 52 and less desirable as it is. It is strange, with those 52 years come a lot of different experiences and lessons learned that would benefit US Airways, and I will not get the chance, and most likely it is the cancer. I did write the indiv. who sent the letter, that I have never met, and thanked her for the consideration and asked that my resume be kept available should the new hires not meet their expectations. I also asked her if she would share with me why I was not selected, to help me better myself. I do not expect her to do so, but, maybe it will provoke her to think.
Anyways, your response is very helpful to me. I was just devastated when they turned me down. I am mind boggled as to why any company would pay an outside source to do a background check on you if they were not planning to hire you. What a waste of money, maybe that is just one other of the reasons that US Airways is in trouble. (my husband has worked there for 25 years and feels very bleak about their outlook) I want to change my resume away from finance and that would have been a corporate management job.
So, on to other things...like finance.
Thank you so much...Jan
I feel your pain! My background is in accounting/industrial engineering, but I've gone back to school for a Web Design degree. I really think it's possible to be bored to death by your job, so I'm learning something new and interesting. I figure at least with my business background, I can beat those 20-something punks out of my new Web Design job (we'll see if it's true after I graduate next quarter!) My BC diagnosis has really put a fire under me to finish up my degree and get on with my life by getting out of a job and employer that no longer value me as I feel I should be (after 18 years!)
Something that occured to me was this: Since you are outspoken about your BC, perhaps you could put that "to work" for you! Non-profit agencies, political action groups (Many times they are the same - they will have several types of "businesses" set up under one agency, like PAC, Charitable, Educational, all different tax types)are always looking for educated, outspoken, dedicated individuals. The pay may not be great, but there can be huge job satifaction and other benefits, like travel. Because of the accounting involved with these types of groups, financial savvy is a must! As a volunteer, I've observed that age isn't a factor - They look for employees with sincere commitment, dedication and ability to communicate more than other factors. The other thing that's pretty cool if you work with women's groups is that you are in a female dominated workplace, which is really empowering, especially if you are used to an "old boy" workplace.
I truly believe that there is a GREAT job out there for you (and me too!) You did NOT beat cancer to languish at home. You are here for something SPECIAL! Take a chance! Follow your intuition, your heart and prayers!
jill0 -
Suggestion: Contact the Americans With Disabilities Department and tell them you feel you are being discrimanated against. Not sure where this will go, but it may be worth a try. It's just not fair for them to hold this against you. Plus, there's no telling how many other people they may be affecting.seeknpeace said:(((Jill))) Thank you so much for your insight and wisdom. I feel blessed to have accomplished some things in my career that I would never have dreamed that I could and it is hard to swallow when it works against you, but, I think that it does.
I guess, too, that I will have to start being more circumspect about my bc and be vague, taking the focus away from why I was out of work to why I want to work. I have a fear that could work against me too as they may feel that I will quit again. I am 52 and less desirable as it is. It is strange, with those 52 years come a lot of different experiences and lessons learned that would benefit US Airways, and I will not get the chance, and most likely it is the cancer. I did write the indiv. who sent the letter, that I have never met, and thanked her for the consideration and asked that my resume be kept available should the new hires not meet their expectations. I also asked her if she would share with me why I was not selected, to help me better myself. I do not expect her to do so, but, maybe it will provoke her to think.
Anyways, your response is very helpful to me. I was just devastated when they turned me down. I am mind boggled as to why any company would pay an outside source to do a background check on you if they were not planning to hire you. What a waste of money, maybe that is just one other of the reasons that US Airways is in trouble. (my husband has worked there for 25 years and feels very bleak about their outlook) I want to change my resume away from finance and that would have been a corporate management job.
So, on to other things...like finance.
Thank you so much...Jan
Good luck.
hummingbyrd0 -
Oh Jill, Good luck to you too!! You would think that employers would value the experience and knowledge that we have aquired, but, that is just no longer a reality it seems. With so many of our jobs being outsourced to countries that are paid a criminally low wage, just to save money with NO regard for the customers who are affected as well as workers, it is just an indication of the climate we are challenged by. The companies are saving millions of dollars but, not sharing those savings with the consumers. I am very disenchanted with our countries lack of value for it's workers and what I see as corporate greed.jdubious said:Hi Jan,
I feel your pain! My background is in accounting/industrial engineering, but I've gone back to school for a Web Design degree. I really think it's possible to be bored to death by your job, so I'm learning something new and interesting. I figure at least with my business background, I can beat those 20-something punks out of my new Web Design job (we'll see if it's true after I graduate next quarter!) My BC diagnosis has really put a fire under me to finish up my degree and get on with my life by getting out of a job and employer that no longer value me as I feel I should be (after 18 years!)
Something that occured to me was this: Since you are outspoken about your BC, perhaps you could put that "to work" for you! Non-profit agencies, political action groups (Many times they are the same - they will have several types of "businesses" set up under one agency, like PAC, Charitable, Educational, all different tax types)are always looking for educated, outspoken, dedicated individuals. The pay may not be great, but there can be huge job satifaction and other benefits, like travel. Because of the accounting involved with these types of groups, financial savvy is a must! As a volunteer, I've observed that age isn't a factor - They look for employees with sincere commitment, dedication and ability to communicate more than other factors. The other thing that's pretty cool if you work with women's groups is that you are in a female dominated workplace, which is really empowering, especially if you are used to an "old boy" workplace.
I truly believe that there is a GREAT job out there for you (and me too!) You did NOT beat cancer to languish at home. You are here for something SPECIAL! Take a chance! Follow your intuition, your heart and prayers!
jill
Yes, I have been working in the "ole boys club" for a longgggg time and it has not been easy. I can never prove that these companies are not hiring me because of the bc, but, I cannot truly find another reason.
I did look into a position that became available and will not be filed until the first of the year at one of the local cancer agencies. It is a position that would allow me to run the breast cancer support part of their office, along with some other cancers. I really got excited until she told me that it paid 18K a year. I cannot do that. I could deal with a lower salary for a more satisfying type of work, but, that salary is way too low.
I guess that I will find out soon about the bank job. It makes me wince when I just think about it, but, as they say it is easier to get a job when you have a job. So, I will hope to get the bank job and keep my eyes open.
I wish you the best of luck too. How exciting to be able to train so that you can change your career. I have to work. I was an excellent financial planner for everyone except myself. Much like the accountant who doesn't balance his check book. BIG mistake.
Jan0 -
I wish that I could prove what I believe in my heart. It would take a really untrained person to tell me that. I cannot imagine one would. I would have a battle that I could not win without some way to validate the discrimination. Any suggestions on how to do that are welcome because I would fight that one for us all. I guess that now I have to be vague and lie, I cannot be proud to be a survivor, cannot say "hey, I beat the odds, I am lucky, I caught it early". I wonder how they would feel were they to be faced with this undiscriminating disease one day...a woman who did not hire me because I may make the companies insurance premium go up, or may have to take sick time and hurt the departments production, etc. I wonder if she were faced with this time of trial, horror and fear, if she would remember what she did. One in eight woman end up where we are. I do not wish it on anyone, but, cannot help but to wonder how they would feel...that man whose wife is here, or daughter or sister?hummingbyrd said:Suggestion: Contact the Americans With Disabilities Department and tell them you feel you are being discrimanated against. Not sure where this will go, but it may be worth a try. It's just not fair for them to hold this against you. Plus, there's no telling how many other people they may be affecting.
Good luck.
hummingbyrd
Jan0 -
Employers are not allowed to ask questions about your medical history during interviews for a reason. Don't volunteer this information. Perhaps if you simply say that it was time for a change, or you had accomplished your goals and now seek something else?0
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Hi Jan:
I'm with the other's here. Don't volunteer your bc history. There's absolutely no reason to do that and if a prospective employer asks, then report them to the proper authority immediately.
Good luck in the hunt and remain positive that something just right for you WILL present itself!
Love, light and laughter,
Ink0 -
Jan,
Wow, this is a major bummer! I really feel for you. I'm a VP in Human Resources and my advice is definitely NOT to mention anything about your bc. It's none of their business. The only requirement you have to volunteer health information is if it will interfere with your doing the job, which your past experience with bc will not. While it's completely unfair, many people will judge you for this. I can hear the dialog now....hmmm, let's see, we have this excellent candidate who had breast cancer (and could get sick again) or we have this excellent candidate with no health history (or at least anything we know about). And sure enough, they'll pick the latter every time. So don't volunteer that information. I'm saying a prayer to the HR gods that your next job interview will bring the offer you so deserve. Good luck!
Ellen0
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